Healthy Sloppy Joe Recipe
Yup, that’s right! It’s totally possible to capture the savory and sweet flavors of this beloved American classic without ketchup, added sugar, or preservatives. This healthy Sloppy Joe is made with with lean ground turkey, lots of vegetables, and a flavorful sauce that’s so delicious, you’ll want to drizzle it over everything. This is seriously the perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family and the leftovers taste even better! Whether enjoyed on a bun, over sweet potatoes, or in tacos, it’s incredibly versatile and satisfying.
Ingredients
I am highlighting just the ones that need further explanation. The complete list is in the recipe card below.
Ground turkey – I recommend not going any leaner than 93% lean turkey for the best flavor and texture. Vegetables – I like to use green bell pepper and onion but feel free to use whatever you wish. Mushrooms, carrots, and zucchini are all great options! Dates – A great refined-sugar-free alternative to the traditional brown sugar and ketchup. They also help cut through the acidity of the tomatoes. Pumpkin puree – Makes the sauce nice and creamy while boosting nutrition. You can use store-bought or homemade pumpkin puree. Tomato sauce – This is a great place to use your favorite jarred sauce, like marinara sauce. If sharing this meal with your baby, you can use no-salt-added tomato sauce or this homemade veggie pasta sauce!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Tips for Success
Be sure to soak the dates in hot water for at least 15 minutes, until soft and just starting to fall apart. I suggest reserving the date-soaking water to use for thinning out the sauce, if necessary. Toast the hamburger buns! Spreading on some butter is always a good idea. Add the sloppy joe mixture to the bun right before serving. Otherwise the bread will get too soggy. I actually like to keep the vegetables a bit larger so my kids can see them and also for added texture. If you’d like to finely chop instead, I recommend using a food chopper like this one! It’s so handy for quick vegetable prep. Double or even triple the recipe! It freezes beautifully.
Ways to Enjoy this Healthy Sloppy Joes
Besides on a toasted bun, here are some other fun ways to enjoy this delicious meat mixture!
Add to grilled sandwiches Serve with pasta. This is a great way to use up frozen cooked pasta for a super quick meal! Combine with oatmeal for a savory version Pour over roasted sweet potatoes or cooked spaghetti squash Sloppy Joe Pizza – spread over to store-bought or this easy homemade protein pizza dough, add cheese, and bake! Tacos – use as a filling for these mini tacos.
Homemade Sloppy Joes for Baby
Start by serving a very small portion to make it less overwhelming for your baby. You can always offer more, following your baby’s lead.
How to serve to toddlers
If your child has a difficult time biting into burgers (or sandwiches), cut into smaller, more manageable pieces. And if your child is not a fan of foods touching, try serving it deconstructed. Makes for a great addition to toddler school lunch.
More Healthy Comfort Food Recipes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me! This post was first published in 2020.
